Tours & Tickets

Experience Highland, the official residence of fifth President James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, from 1799 to 1823.

Join us for our newly revamped house tour, lasting approximately 40 minutes, as we explore the fascinating life of the tireless public servant who fought and bled in the American Revolution, successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, worked behind the scenes to push the Missouri Compromise through Congress, secured our nation’s borders, and issued our first hemisphere-wide foreign policy statement: the Monroe Doctrine. The tour also showcases an outstanding collection of 18th and early nineteenth-century furnishings, including many original to the Monroe family. Expect to spend one-and-a-half to two hours touring the house, exploring the self-guided outbuildings, and enjoying the gardens and grounds.

During the months of April through October, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, we will feature our Slavery at Highland program. We invite you to visit and learn more about the enslaved African American men, women, and children who worked on James Monroe’s property.

Planning a Group Tour?

All group tours include the guided house tour, the self-guided outbuildings, and access to the gardens and grounds. Additional group tour options include the Slavery at Highland program, Highland Farebox lunches, and a visit from Colonel Monroe (call for pricing and availability).

Monroe’s Farm Friends Annual Grounds Pass

New for 2016!

For the first time at Highland, families will be able to purchase an annual pass granting them full access, during regular business hours, to the grounds of the historic estate. Monroe’s Farm Friends is the perfect option for families looking for a convenient outdoor space to picnic, play games, and visit farm animals. The pass also provides family admittance to the annual spring sheep shearing event, in addition to other exclusive family activities throughout the year.

A family membership in Monroe’s Farm Friends costs $40 annually and covers an entire household, including two adults and all children 18 years old and younger. Additional adult family members, such as grandparents, can be added to a family membership for an additional cost of $10 per person. Monroe’s Farm Friends members will be issued two family membership cards, children’s activity passports, and souvenirs for the whole family!

To reserve your family membership, visit the museum shop or call us at 434-293-8000.

The Monticello Neighborhood Pass

The Monticello Neighborhood Pass (formerly the Presidents’ Pass) is a discounted combination ticket* for James Monroe’s Highland, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and the historic Michie Tavern museum (ca. 1784). The ticket is available for purchase at all three Charlottesville-area attractions or online at the Monticello website. Prices include a $6.oo savings for adults!

Adults (March through October) – $40.00

Adults (November through February) – $34.00

Children ages 5-11 (year-round) – $19.00

*Note: While it is possible to visit all three historic sites in one day, the purchase of a Monticello Neighborhood Pass does not guarantee a tour at each participating site that day. We strongly recommend that visitors take note of each site’s operating hours and available tour times before making their arrival.

Pet Policy

James Monroe’s Highland does not permit pets on the property. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted.